Student Code of Conduct

As a community of scholars, Shepherd University is dedicated to promoting learning and student success. In order to foster a conducive learning and living community, Shepherd University addresses violations of any of the following policies:

100. Violations of Law

Violation of federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

200. Violations of Other University Regulations and Policies

Violation of any other university rule, regulation, or policy.

201. University Rule: Violation of any other university rule, regulation, or policy
202. Parking Decal: Unauthorized use of parking decal.

300. Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on examinations, falsifying records, submitting plagiarized work of any kind, or providing or receiving assistance in coursework in a manner not authorized by the instructor.

400. Orientation

Failure to attend Orientation Step 1: Advisement and Registration and Orientation Step 2: New Student Welcome unless given written permission by the Office of New Student Programs.

500. Failure to Comply

501. Directions from Officials: Failure or refusal to comply with directions or instructions of faculty, staff, administration, police, or resident assistants when they are acting in official capacities.
502. Electronic Messages: Failure to review or to respond to official electronic messages through the university email system.

600. Computer Misuse

601. Computer Privacy or Security: Intentionally compromising the privacy of computer files or attempting to breach the security of any computer system to which the individual has not been authorized to access.
602. Software Agreements/Copyright: Violations of software licensing agreements or copyright or other intellectual property regulations.

700. ID Card/Key Card/Keys

701. Unauthorized Key Use: Use, possession, sharing, conveyance, or duplication of university “Rambler” identification card, key cards, or keys without authorization from a university official.
702. University ID: Failure to carry a Shepherd University “Rambler” identification card while on campus.

800. Accessory

Assisting or complicity to any violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook, or other published policies. Presence at or failure to leave immediately a situation where a violation is occurring.

900. Damage to Property

901. University Property: Damaging or impairing university property.
902. Other’s Property: Damaging or impairing another person’s property.

1000. Theft

Theft or attempted theft of university property or another person’s property including unauthorized use or possession of university property or another person’s property.

1100. Fire Emergency/Threat

1101. False Bomb Threat: Placing a false bomb threat.
1102. Fire or False Emergency: Causing a fire, fire hazard, false fire alarm, or another false emergency.
1103. Failure to Evacuate: Failure to evacuate immediately during an alarm or other emergency.
1104. Safety Equipment: Tampering with, damaging, disabling, or misusing fire safety or other safety equipment.
1105. Propping Doors: Propping open or preventing an interior or exterior door from closing securely.
1106. Blocking Exits: Blocking fire or emergency exits or routes in any way. Obstructing direct access to a door or window so that evacuation is hindered. Door and hallways must remain clear of obstructions.

1200. Fireworks and Chemicals

1201. Fireworks: Unauthorized use, possession, or storage of fireworks or explosives on university property.
1202. Chemicals: Unauthorized use, possession, or storage of hazardous chemicals that could pose a health or safety risk, either by themselves or in conjunction with other chemicals.

1300. Weapons

1301. Firearms: Use, possession, or storage of firearms or ammunition.
1302. Other Weapons: Use, possession, or storage of any item that may constitute a weapon on campus, except as approved and required for an academic class, including but not limited to: blank pistols, Taser guns, reasonable facsimile of guns, air rifles, air pistols, archery equipment, swords, sharp tools such as axes and hatchets, paint ball guns, sling shots, knives with blades in excess of four inches in length.

1400. Alcohol

1401. Possession/Use: Possession, use, manufacture, purchase, or distribution of alcoholic beverages by or to any person under 21 years of age.
1402. Public Intoxication: Appearing intoxicated or having an open container of alcohol in a public area.
1403. Common Source Containers: Possession of common source containers of alcohol, such as kegs and punch bowls.
1404. Excessive Consumption Activities: Involvement in activities or possession of items used predominantly for and which encourage excessive consumption of alcohol, such as beer pong tables and beer bongs/funnels.
1405. Trophy Bottles: Possession of decorative, souvenir, or empty alcohol bottles, cans, or similar containers by any person under 21 years of age.
1406. Student Clubs, Organizations, and Groups: Any violation of Alcohol Policy for Student Clubs, Organizations, and Groups.

NOTE: That signs or symptoms that might reasonably indicate use of or intoxication by alcohol, or the presence of alcohol beverage containers, may be construed as proximate indicators of alcohol possession or consumption.

1500. Tobacco/Smoking

Smoking and the use of all tobacco products are prohibited on Shepherd University campuses. This policy includes the use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco such as chew or snuff, electronic vaping devices and hookahs. This prohibition includes all Shepherd University facilities, grounds within the campus boundaries as well as within University-owned or leased vehicles (regardless of registration or off-road status).

See more about the Tobacco Free Campus here: https://www.shepherd.edu/tobaccofree

1600. Drugs

1601. Use, Possession, Purchase, or Distribution: The unlawful possession, purchase, use, or distribution of controlled sub- stances, and/or illegal drugs in any amount. Being in possession of another person’s prescribed medicine.
1602. Synthetic Drugs: Purchase, possession, use, abuse, or distribution of any synthetic or natural chemical or material that may cause intoxication and/or require emergency intervention, including, but not limited to: bath salts, huffing, salvia, and synthetic versions of drugs.
1603. Syringes: Possession of medical syringes without a legitimate prescription.
1604. Paraphernalia: Possession of paraphernalia typically associated with the possession, use or distribution of controlled substances, and/or illegal drugs.

1700. Invasion of Privacy

Transmitting, recording, or photographing the image or voice of another person without their knowledge or consent while in an environment that is considered private or where there is an expectation of privacy, such as inside a residence hall or bathroom.

1800. Misrepresentation

Submitting false, incomplete, or misleading information on official documents or to police, faculty, staff, administration, or resident assistants when they are acting in an official capacity.

1900. Lewd or Indecent Behavior

Any conduct that is offensive to accepted standards of decency such as public nudity or public urination.

2000. Disruptive Conduct

Actions which disrupt or interfere with the instructional program or threaten the orderliness, operation, or well-being of the campus, the surrounding community, or its members.

2100. Endangering Conduct

Any act that jeopardizes the health or safety of self or others.

2200. Abuse

Verbal abuse, physical abuse, intimidation, the threat of these actions, or any other that endangers or threatens the well-being, safety, or educational opportunity of any person(s).

2300. Hazing

Any action or situation, whether recklessly or intentionally, which has the effect of endangerment of personal safety, interference with academic work, violation of university policy, or production of psychological, mental, or physical discomfort, embarrassment, safety, harassment, or ridicule, regardless of the person’s consent.

2400. Discrimination

2401. Identity Discrimination: Promoting or demanding any action on the part of a member of the campus community that would constitute discrimination on the basis of ability, age, beliefs, ethnicity, gender expression, identity, life experiences, medical condition, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or other status protected by law.
2402. Hate Activities: Engaging in hate activities that demean, ridicule, and/or endanger other members of the campus, especially on the basis of the statuses listed in the section above.

2500. Harassment

Unwanted physical, verbal, nonverbal or other conduct relating to a person’s protected status, including ability, age, beliefs, ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, life experiences, medical condition, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or other status protected by law, and which may result in one or more of the following:

A) The creation of intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, living, or academic environment; or

B) Substantial or unreasonable interference with an individual’s work, living, or academic performances; or

C) The development of an adverse effect on an individual’s employment or academic opportunities.

2501. Inequitable Treatment: Unjustified inequitable treatment that results in the above consequences and may include bullying, intimidation, and/or the use of demeaning language, the use of language or gestures that are disrespectful or imply a person’s inferiority, or intolerance of cultural differences.
2502. Gender-Based Harassment: Gender-based harassment, includes unwelcome conduct of a nonsexual nature based on a student’s actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and nonconformity with gender stereotypes.

2600. Sexual Misconduct

2601. Non-consensual Sexual Contact: Non-Consensual Sexual Contact includes any intentional sexual touching, however slight, with any object or body part, performed by a person upon another person. Sexual Contact includes (a) intentional touching of the breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals, whether clothed or unclothed, or intentionally touching another with any of these body parts; and (b) making another touch you or themselves with or on any of these body parts.
2602. Non-consensual Sexual Intercourse: Non-consensual sexual intercourse includes any penetration, however slight, with any object or body part, performed by a person upon another person. Sexual Intercourse includes (a) vaginal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger; (b) anal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger; and (c) any contact, no matter how slight, between the mouth of one person and the genitalia of another person.
2603. Sexual Harassment: Sexual Harassment includes unwanted or unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, or other behavior of a sexual nature.
2604. Sexual Exploitation: Sexual Exploitation includes taking non-consensual, unjust, or abusive advantage of another person for the benefit or advantage of anyone other than the person who is exploited.

2700. Relationship Violence

2701. Dating Violence: Committing, attempting, or threatening an act of violence against a person in a romantic or intimate relationship, either currently or formerly.
2702. Domestic Violence: Committing, attempting, or threatening an act of violence by a person against a current or former spouse, current or former cohabitant, person sharing a child in common, or person situated in a similar familial environment.

For more information on Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct, see http://www.shepherd.edu/title-ix/gender-based-discrimination-sexual-misconduct-and-interpersonal-violence-policy

2800. Stalking

Stalking includes engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.

2900. Retaliation

Retaliation includes retaliatory action of any kind, including intimidation, coercion, or threats, against any individual as a result of a person’s attempt to seek redress or to participate in an investigation under applicable procedures dealing with sexual and other misconduct.

3000. Guest Responsibility

Being with any guest, both students and non-students who violate university policies. Shepherd University students are responsible for their guest’s actions while on campus and for informing guests of university policies.

3100. Unauthorized Building/Facility Use

Unauthorized presence on, in, or use of university premises, facilities, or property.

3200. Entering/Exiting Building

3201. Inappropriate Entering or Exiting: Entering or exiting a building in any way other than through an appropriate doorway.
3202. Emergency Doors: Utilizing an emergency exit door at any time other than an emergency.

3300-4900 Reserved

5000. Residency Requirement

Failure to live on campus for all single, full-time undergraduate students who are not commuting from a parent’s or guardian’s home within a designated commuting area.

5100. Active Sports

Participating in active sports in areas that are not designated for that purpose. Active sports include, but are not limited to: football, baseball, basketball, golf, volleyball, soccer, hockey, track and field, tennis, use of skateboards, longboards, scooters, bicycles, or motorized vehicles indoors.

5200. Appliances in Residence Halls

Plugging an appliance such as a microwave or refrigerator into anything other than the wall outlet.

5300. Bathroom Use

Utilizing the bathroom facilities that are not designated for one’s gender identity in traditional halls.

5400. Bathroom capacities

Having more than one person in a shower or toilet stall.

5500. Guest Escort

Having a guest who is not escorted by their host. A guest is defined as a non-resident of the building. A host is defined as a resident of the hall who has a guest in the building.

5600. Guest Visitation

5601. Unregistered Guest Hosting: Hosting an unregistered guest in a residence hall when guest registration is required
5602. Unapproved Guest: Hosting a guest or another building resident who is not assigned to that space in the student living area without prior roommate permission.
5603. Unescorted Guest: Being present in a residence hall without a specific host.

5700. Guest–Overnight

Hosting the same guest overnight more than three nights per week, defined as the time period Sunday night through Saturday night. An overnight guest is defined as a guest which stays in a student living space where reasonable indicators would indicate a prolonged stay.

5800. Laundry

Use of residence hall laundry facilities by anyone who is not a resident of the building.

5900. Personal Storage

Leaving or storing personal items in common areas or facilities areas within the residence halls without permission from Residence Life staff.

6000. Animals in Residence Halls

Having an animal which is not a service animal or which has not been approved by Accessibility Services

Non-dangerous fish that are in tanks no larger than 20 gallons within the residence halls are permitted. One tank is allowed per resident.

6100. Prohibited Items in Residence Halls

Possession of any of the following items:

6101. Appliances: Refrigerators that exceed 5.0 cubic feet (one permitted per resident), microwaves using more than 750 watts (one permitted per room), electric heaters.
6102. Beds: unapproved water beds, lofts, or beds larger than twin-size.
6103. Electrical: Appliances which exceed 20 amps of power at one time, power tools such as sanders, saws, welding equipment, air conditioners, ceiling fans, washing machines, freezers, or other high voltage equipment.
6104. Extension Cords: Any electrical extension cord or multi-plug outlet other than UL approved devices that have a built-in circuit breaker/reset buttons.
6105. Cooking: Barbecue grills, hibachis, Coleman stoves, sterno/portable stoves, devices designed to cook food such as hot plates, electric grills, hot plates, deep fat fryers, air fryers, pressure cookers/Instant pots, toasters, toaster ovens, oven broilers, rice cookers, or open coil appliances are not permitted except for residents of Dunlop or Printz Halls.
6106. Combustibles and Open Flame Apparatus: including but not limited to kerosene lamps or heaters, incense, candles, charcoal, or propane.
6107. Decorations: Having more than half (50%) of the walls within living spaces covered in combustible items such as tapestries, posters, pictures, etc.
- Attaching to or suspending items from the ceilings within residence halls
- Decorations on residence doors or decorations outside 12” of all door frames
6108. Other:
- hookahs or other common use smoking devices
- halogen lamps
- live Christmas trees
- motorized vehicles within residence halls
- satellite dishes
- sub-woofers or similar items which amplify sound including bass that disrupts the community.

NOTE: hookahs and other smoking devices may be considered to be paraphernalia and proximate indicators of drug use.

6200. Quiet Hours

Having sound that can be heard more than two doors down the hallway or on another level of the building during the following designated times:

6300. Quiet Hours–Courtesy

Having sound which interferes with other students’ abilities to study undisturbed at any time.

6400. Quiet Hours–24 Hour

Having sound that can be heard more than two doors down the hallway or on another level of the building during designated 24-hour quiet hour times.

6500. Removal of University Property

Removing or relocating university property and furniture from its assigned location.

6600. Room Alteration

Making any type of alteration or repair to the structure of the residence hall facility, furnishing, or equipment.

6700. Window Screen Removal

Removing residence hall window screens from their casings.

6800. Room Assignment

6801. Unapproved Occupancy: Living in or occupying any residence living space other than one’s assigned location.
6802. Unassigned Occupant: Allowing anyone other than the person(s) assigned to the space by the Residence Life Office to live in or occupy any residence living space beyond those permitted in the visitation policy.

6900. Room Capacities

6901. Traditional Halls: Having more than five people in a student room in a traditional hall (Shaw and Thacher Halls).
6902. Suite-Style Halls: Having more than eight people in one unit of a suite-style hall (Boteler, Burkhart, Lurry, Miller, Moler, Martin, Potomac Place, and Yost halls).
6903. Apartments: Having more than 12 people in one unit of an apartment (Dunlop and Printz halls).

7000. Room Condition

7001. Room Condition Unclean: Keeping a student’s room, bathroom, or living area in unclean and/or unacceptable condition, including when preparing for university breaks.
7002. Room Condition Overtaken: Not having a room in a condition that is ready to accept a roommate when a vacancy exists in an assigned living space.
7003. Room Condition, Odor: Having odors that originate from inside a student room that are detectable outside the room.

7100. Room Responsibility

Behaviors which are in violation of the Student Code of Conduct that occur within a student’s living space or common area. Residents are responsible for all behaviors which occur in their assigned spaces.

7200. Solicitation

Solicitation or sales of any service, product, or promotion in the student residence areas of a building without prior permission from the director of Residence Life, or designee. Advertisements, sale, or solicitation of alcoholic beverages is not allowed in residence halls or student mailboxes.

7300. Trash

Placing personal trash items in a location other than the designated locations, such as dumpsters outside of the residence halls.

Student Conduct System Process

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Alumni & Friends

Faculty & Staff

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